Courry lies at the foothills of the Cévennes, among vineyards, chestnut groves and limestone cliffs. In the town centre, the village preserves a well-kept rural heritage with a church, old stone houses and mule tracks. Those who choose Courry as a holiday destination may perhaps wish to rent an apartment here.
Culture and Townscape
The church of Courry was probably built in the 12th century on the site of an older sanctuary. Its west façade features rare architectural exterior trompe-l’œil painting. The façades, roofs and apse have been partially listed as a Monument historique since 17 May 1982.
The lime kilns of Courry are also part of the popular heritage, and visitors can discover them on a tour through the hamlets. The hamlet of Reboul features impressive, traditionally laid paving and is therefore also part of Courry’s popular heritage.
Landscape and Trails
The “Les dolmens de l’Ismaël” route begins and ends in Courry and runs through Courry, Gagnières and Saint-Paul-le-Jeune. It leads to the dolmens of Ismaël; from Les Usclades, it also offers a short out-and-back route to an educational dolmen. Along the route grows the cade juniper, typical of the garrigue, whose heartwood was formerly distilled to obtain oil.
The route combines the discovery of a necropolis with the climb to the Chapelle Saint-Sébastien, from which visitors can enjoy a beautiful view. The chapel lies at an altitude of around 400 metres and, after the climb, offers a resting place overlooking Gard and Ardèche. According to oral tradition, it was built in gratitude for protecting the inhabitants of Courry from the so-called Plague of Marseille; every year, a pilgrimage takes place there, including the climb to the hill.
The “Les dolmens de l’Ismaël” hike can be reached by public transport via the Eglise stop in Courry.
Nature and History
The Grotte de la Cocalière is a living cave in Jurassic limestone; its geological history began 35 million years ago. A discovery trail at the cave is free, fully signposted and leads through a distinctive karst landscape. The site also has a free, shaded 35-minute discovery trail that is partially accessible to pushchairs.
The discovery trail leads to the Chapelle Saint-Bernard, a rock-related testament to historical events such as Protestant gatherings during the “Désert” period and counter-revolutionary opposition. The Grotte de la Cocalière offers a secured visit via a tour lasting approximately one hour, at an ambient temperature of around 14 °C. During the visit, the return journey is made by a small train through the natural surroundings.
Further destinations for travel planning: Aiguèze, Sénéchas, Anduze, Alzon, Tharaux, Issirac, Montdardier, Saint-Hippolyte-De-Caton.
